1) BREAKING: #ISIS’ Furqan issues new video showing leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, marking the first time he is shown in a video since his July 2014 sermon at the Great Mosque in #Mosul

2) The video shows Baghdadi in a casual conversational setting with others (their faces blurred). He talks about war against "Crusaders" and about battles in #Baghouz#Syria being over, indicating that this interview was filmed somewhat recently.

3) In the vid, titled “In the Hospitality of the Emir of the Believers,” Baghdadi praises #SriLanka attackers over images of the attackers/attack (though not in the visual interview section; the audio may have thus been added via a later recording)--calling it revenge for Baghouz

1. Since #IS issued its #SriLanka claim, there's been lots of discussion on a) whether it inspired/directed the attackers and b) whether it was in response to #Christchurch. These are interesting, important discussions to have, but we mustn't lose sight of the wood for the trees.

2. It is critical that we think about the overarching logic behind this attack, not just what happened and how it happened. I’ll be doing that over the next few tweets.

3. First of all, it is important to state that an attack like this has been coming for a lonnng time and #IS/#IS supporters are certain to have others planned. It was not just a response to #Christchurch (and nor will future attacks be).

“Reduction of the physical caliphate is a monumental military accomplishment, but the fight against #ISIS and violent extremism is far from over” @CENTCOM’s Votel warns #HASC, calling evacuation of #Baghuz “calculated”

“Observations by our men & women on the ground highlights that the #ISIS population being evacuated from the remaining vestiges of the caliphate largely remains unrepentant, unbroken & radicalized” per @CENTCOM’s Gen Votel

1. In other news, the battle rages on against #IS's last pocket of territory in #Syria. Looks like there’s about a square kilometre left. This pic (via @NotWoofers) was reportedly taken from inside it today.

2. Although #IS has been pretty vocal about what’s happening elsewhere (think #Nigeria/#Yemen/#Iraq), there's not been a peep from it about #Baghuz since Tuesday.

Usually in this context (think #Raqqa, #Mosul and #Hajin), radio silence is a sign that it has given up.

3. That being said, #IS is set to publish its newspaper tonight. Let’s see what it has in store.

This thread will explore SDF detention facilities in northern Syria that have been running well beyond their capacity after an influx of surrendered #ISIS fighters.

The main six prisons are located in #Hasaka province and contain around 2700 people, the major part being male #ISIS terrorists. Fighters and their families enjoy some minor perks compared to other inmates such as members of SDF detained for dereliction of duty, corruption, etc.